Growing your own garden plants from seeds is rewarding, but challenging. Unfortunately, many first-time gardeners find their plantings never sprout or die off before they can mature. There are a few common pitfalls that are most likely to lead to these poor outcomes, so here’s what you need to avoid to give your sprouts the best chance.

What Are the Most Common Mistakes People Make When Planting Seeds?

1. Using an Old Batch

While seeds may look completely dry and dormant, they’re still living things. They can die and become unable to grow because they became moldy or got a false start at sprouting. Storing them in a cool, dark, dry place can help, but always pay attention to the dates on the packaging and use fresh seeds if you can. You can still use old seeds, but they’re less likely to sprout.

2. Not Meeting the Seeds’ Needs

Every species of plant has specific conditions that will help it sprout and grow healthy. These include soil depth, temperature, amount of light and water, and spacing from each other or from the edges of a pot. Changing any of these conditions, such as planting more deeply or shallowly than intended, affects its chance to develop. Most plants have detailed instructions on the packaging; you can also search online for information or ask a local garden expert for advice.

3. Moving Them Outside Too Quickly

Sprouting your seeds indoors first and then moving them outside allows you to get an early start on the growing season and protect your plants when they’re most vulnerable. However, when you do this, your sprouts will be accustomed to conditions in your home or greenhouse. Moving them outdoors suddenly and exposing them to wind, direct sunlight, temperature changes, and rain all at once can be a shock to their systems. Instead they need to be hardened, or strengthened gradually by removing heating equipment and exposing the plants to air currents from a fan. Then, bring the plants outside for a couple of hours a day in the shade before keeping them outside full time in the environment where they will be planted. After one to two weeks of hardening, they’ll be ready to transplant.

For quality seeds in Dolores County, CO, choose Carhart Feed & Seed Co. Based in Dove Creek for over 40 years, this locally owned company provides a full selection of farm supplies, from animal feed to plumbing fixtures. For help finding the materials you need, call (970) 677-2233 or visit them on Facebook.